My chicken is panting like crazy in her nesting box

[cqangie29]

My 4.5 month old white leghorn has been going from box to box for a few hours now. She just layed her 1st egg yesterday. She hasn't layed an egg today, but I'm concerned that she is panting so much, while hanging out in the coop and in the boxes. She'll move hay around and sit for a few minutes, then repeat.

My chickens have lots of space for shade and shallow areas with water to walk in, but not sure why she stays inside. I don't know if it's an egg issue, and that's why she chooses to stay inside?? Any ideas or suggestions? Thank you. I provided a pic.

 

[jaxonann]

It sounds like she's trying to get comfortable to lay again. My girls still run around like their tails are on fire if they don't have the "right" nesting box.

 

[GoatDragonFarms]

Sure does sound like a comfort thing.

Not sure where you are located, but it's very warm (mercury is telling me 90°) in NC, and some of my gals have been panting.

Good ventilation in your coop is important. Keep an eye on her and make sure she's drinking.

 

[cqangie29]

It sounds like she's trying to get comfortable to lay again. My girls still run around like their tails are on fire if they don't have the "right" nesting box.

Ok, thank you. I just turned on the hose and she did come out to drink water. I also fed them some frozen blueberries. Her panting has been less. I'm new to owning chickens. If she just started laying, will she lay every day?

 

[jaxonann]

Ok, thank you. I just turned on the hose and she did come out to drink water. I also fed them some frozen blueberries. Her panting has been less. I'm new to owning chickens. If she just started laying, will she lay every day?

It's hit or miss. I have some who were like clockwork and others who didn't lay again for 2-3 days.

 

[cqangie29]

Sure does sound like a comfort thing.

Not sure where you are located, but it's very warm (mercury is telling me 90°) in NC, and some of my gals have been panting.

Good ventilation in your coop is important. Keep an eye on her and make sure she's drinking.

I did open the top door to her boxes to let in air. I gave them some frozen blueberries and turned on the hose and she came out. She drank water and her panting has slowed down. I just hope she's not having any issues laying eggs.

 

[aart]

Deep all day shade is best but....this regime has kept my birds comfortable:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves. It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place. Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[cqangie29]

It's hit or miss. I have some who were like clockwork and others who didn't lay again for 2-3 days.

Ok, thank you so much

 

[cqangie29]

Deep all day shade is best but....this regime has kept my birds comfortable:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves. It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place. Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

This really helps!! Thank you so much for the info and pics!! I have the save a chick powder. I'll make some now

 

[MomJones]

Deep all day shade is best but....this regime has kept my birds comfortable:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves. It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place. Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

Love this idea.